Memorial Day Weekend

Whew! Long, fast, busy four days. We kicked off the weekend by visiting Paul's grave Friday evening before heading to Utah. Tyler, Brandi and Chloe went with us--it was Chloe's big debut. Judging from the overwhelmingly positive response, she was a big hit--like we didn't already know that would be the reaction she'd receive!



Tyler and family stayed at Grandpa and Grandma Parker's, where they were treated to the complimentary early-morning wake up call from Cluck, the world's most obnoxious rooster. Yes, he is still living--fortunately for him, I've chosen to adopt a policy of nonviolence, even toward misguided poultry.

The rest of us stayed with Lynn and Carol. Saturday was the luncheon/baby shower held at Chili's for Chloe--she made quite a haul in the wardrobe and diaper departments. The shower was attended by Chloe, Brandi, me, Great Grandmas Carling and Parker, Carol, Hailey, Lindsey, Angie, ShayLynn, Cathy, and Katelyn.




While I was at the shower, Tyler, Parker, and Hayden went to Smith and Edward's, the store of choice for the testosterone set. Then they helped Grandpa Parker with some yard work. I'm not quite sure what the younger boys did--I'm just glad they were in one piece when I got back. That night, the rest of the Carling family got together at Lynn and Carol's for a barbecue and reunion planning session. We may or may not have decided on a date that works for everyone.


On Sunday we went to church with Mom and Dad Parker, then spent the day with them.



Dad made pork roast and sauerkraut--he gained four new converts (sorry, Sherry, your minority status remains intact)--and roast beef with carrots and potatoes. Parker baked a chocolate cake, which we ate with ice cream. Apparently the boys watched a movie--I was having a much needed nap at the time, so I missed it. We played some games and the boys sat around watching Chloe--Tyler posted the photographic evidence on Facebook.

On Monday, we drove to Logan and spent the day at the annual Carling Family reunion--Grandpa Carling's siblings and extended family. We had a good time getting reacquainted with that side of the family. One of the second cousins put on a magic show--the kids loved it! I got some great pointers for running a half marathon from Paul's cousin, Sherry. She had just run one that morning.

Today, the boys went back to school. They only have two and a half days left in the year. I had the day off, so I made good use of it. I ran the hill portion of the half marathon route--ugh! But at least I know what I'm up against. Then I ran a bunch of errands, including switching our landline over to a cell phone. We kept the same phone number, though. And I learned that Parker has very expensive taste in cell phones. Personally, I choose phones based on color or compactness. I got one that's even smaller than my previous phone. We'll see if I like it as well.

Hmm...

I think yesterday must have been Wear Part of a Movie Costume to School Day at BYU-I. In the time it took me to walk from the parking lot to my first class, I saw a guy wearing what appeared to be part of a Star Wars Jedi costume--long, billowing skirt-like pants (they were even brown);



a girl wearing Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirates of the Caribbean boots,



and another girl wearing Gladiator sandals.




I'm just glad no one was wearing Nacho Libre's luchador tights.

Me and Pepe

There's something to be said for living in the country. Wide open spaces, lots of fresh--wait a minute--what's that smell? Ew-w! While running this morning, I nearly had a head-on collision with Pepe Le Pew. Fortunately, I saw him before I scared the stink out of him. I got as close as I dared to take this picture. I need a cell phone with zoom capabilities.






For Mother's Day, Tyler, Brandi, Chloe and Parker gave me an iPod. I know, I know. I said I wouldn't buy one, another of my many battles against conformity. But I didn't actually buy one--it was a gift--so technically I didn't compromise my principles. Hayden, Cameron, and Jacob gave me new running shoes--they just didn't know it until I told them. :o)

Tyler and Brandi went for a jeep ride with friends a couple of weeks ago. Chloe stayed and hung out with Hayden. He's a pretty good babysitter.



Mom and Dad Carling came up Tuesday to help me choose a headstone for Paul's grave. I was grateful for the added moral support. I think we chose one that Paul would approve of. It should be ready sometime in July.



I finally worked up the courage to listen to the recording of Paul's funeral. It broke my heart all over again, but the talks were so powerful that I was comforted by them. If any of you are interested in having a copy, I'd be glad to make one for you.

The Renegade Biker

What goes on in the mind of a nine-year old that lets him think his mom won't mind him riding a motorcycle--rather than a bicycle--down the road to play with his friends? We now have one very grounded little boy at our house.

Parker was called and set apart on Tuesday to serve on the Seminary Council for next year. He's excited, and I'm proud of him. Tomorrow night he is going to the Commencement Dance. I'll try and take pictures of him in his tux when he isn't looking.

Hayden has made the adjustment to wearing braces without too much trouble. He has an appointment on Monday, so the pain will start all over again--for a few days anyway.

All the boys are busy with school activities. It seems like they try and cram three months-worth into the last few weeks. Jacob has a class play on the 20th, a bowling trip, a picnic, field day, etc. Cameron has a field trip, and an Author's Tea/Parent Appreciation day.

I'm staying busy with classes and homework--lots and lots of homework! But it's mostly interesting, so I don't mind too much. I took a test in my science class--I got an A. And my professor appreciates my sense of humor. Let me explain.

The question: Why is nitrogen not considered a greenhouse gas?

My answer: Because it doesn't contribute to the warming of the atmosphere. There may be other reasons, but I honestly don't know what they are.

My professor drew a smiley face and an arrow pointing to the last part of my answer.

The real answer: it doesn't absorb IR radiation (just in case you have a test on global warming in the near future).

My training for the half-marathon is going well. I was a little worried whether I would be able to keep up with runners half my age, but my fears were laid to rest at the last group run I went on. We ran from the stadium to the nature park, about 4 miles, round-trip. When we got to the turnaround point, the others in my group were complaining about how bad their legs were burning. I wondered out loud what it meant that my legs weren't bothering me. The coach said, "It means you're in better shape than we are."
Viva la abuela!

This is where I ran today:

This is what my toes looked like when I got home:
I really did wear shoes!